“How’s my ethical granddaughter?” My grandparents are legends. They’ve been a big part of my life since the day I was born, frequent attendees at all school shows, and constant supporters of whatever I do. But they find my current day job very intriguing and foreign. How do you explain that you write about eco-living...
Keen to renovate your home? A green renovation is more friendly on your bank account and the planet. By using more energy-efficient, low-tox, biodegradable and recycled materials in your next renovation project, you’ll lessen your impact on the environment. Here are some green building ideas that are as economical as they are environmental. 1. Passive...
Abuja, Nigeria: Plastic Free July is here. It is the time for a more conscious effort to push back against this love of plastic that is choking our earth and drowning our oceans. From straws to milk cans, from shoe soles to the phone cases we adore, plastic is an integral, if not a healthy...
Editor’s note: We recommend reusing, repurposing and upcycling items before disposing of, discarding and recycling materials. In fact, we urge people to consume less as the initial course of action, and ditch disposables for reusables and choose plastic-free options where possible. When reading this post, please remember that kerbside recycling programs vary in each state and municipality....
I have happily lived off-grid for the last four or so years. However, our household’s solar system has been increasingly pushed to its limits as I am now working entirely from home and both my future in-laws are living permanently in the second residence on the property. Energy consumption has therefore increased given the extra...
We’re always looking for new ways to make our homes eco-friendlier. We invest in solar power and double pane windows to reduce our energy consumption, recycle and compost our organic and inorganic waste to reduce the amount of material that ends up in the local landfill, and drive electric cars and hybrid vehicles to reduce...
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Author: Adam McHugh, Honorary Research Associate, Murdoch University The rate of growth in residential rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) in Australia since 2008 has been nothing short of breathtaking. Our new research suggests that the households most likely to join in the solar spree are those that are affluent enough to...
According to Australian Energy Market Commission’s 2017 Residential Electricity Price Trends report, energy bills for Australian households rose by 10.8 percent between 2016 and 2017. With electricity costs rising and climate change dominating political discussions, people are taking matters into their own hands. Motivated by energy independence, self-sufficiency and concern for the environment, an increasing...
“I was part of that strange race of people aptly described as spending their lives doing things they detest, to make money they don’t want, to buy things they don’t need, to impress people they don’t like.” – Emile Gauvreau When I reflect on much of my time on this planet, a clear pattern starts...
Through the use of greenwashing, marketers are successful in making people feel as though they can buy sustainability, as though it is a commodity that can be purchased for a price. However, I’ve often said that sustainability is an everyday practice; it’s a lifestyle, a decision-making process, a way of thinking and behaving. It’s the string...
The Room in a Box eco-friendly, corrugated cardboard bed that’s taken Europe by storm has finally made it’s way to the UK thanks to a timely Earth Day partnership with furniture retailer Happy Beds, its first and only supplier. “Our company ethos is “because everyone deserves a good night’s sleep” and that shouldn’t be any different for...
When back-to-basics meets modern agricultural science, it checks off more boxes than you’d ever imagine. Vertical gardens — or living walls — created as decorative statement pieces are increasingly found in high-end hotels, cutting-edge business and resort lobbies. Vertical gardens offer a powerful visual draw even as they improve air content and acoustic quality. Living...